These are some of my most favorite cookies ever. I’m sure I say that about a LOT of cookies but I really mean it with these! This is another recipe from my friend Judy (I’ve never had a cake/cookie/etc of hers that ISN’T awesome) and it is one of the most wonderfully soft, slightly chewy, perfectly spiced cookies I’ve ever had. They are not too sweet and so yum…one of those you could eat 4 or 5 or 10 of without thinking twice. Or maybe that’s just me.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt. Set aside.

In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the shortening until softened. Gradually add the 1 cup of granulated sugar and beat until fluffy. Add eggs and molasses; beat well. Add half of flour mixture; beat until combined. Stir remaining flour in with a wooden spoon.

Shape dough into 1-inch balls and roll in the coarse or granulated sugar. Bake for 8 minutes, rotating pans and switching racks halfway through. Cool for 2 minutes and then transfer to wire rack and cool completely.